# California hitchhiker identified after 52 years

> A California hitchhiker killed in 1974 was finally identified 52 years later using genetic genealogy.
- Title: California hitchhiker identified after 52 years · Sfgate
- Summary: A California hitchhiker killed in 1974 was finally identified 52 years later using genetic genealogy.
- Keywords: baker california, hitchhiker, terrance lee ronco, military veteran, indiana, interstate 15, dna doe project, genetic genealogy, san bernardino county, crash, Sfgate
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/california-hitchhiker-identified-52-years-22525293.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: baker california, hitchhiker, terrance lee ronco, military veteran, indiana, interstate 15, dna doe project, genetic genealogy, san bernardino county, crash, news, local
## Hitchhiker killed in 1974
A hitchhiker was killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 15 near Baker, California in 1974.
## Identity remained unknown for 52 years
The man remained unidentified for 52 years despite giving his name, where he lived and where he was going.
## Terrance Lee Ronco identified
Authorities identified Terrance Lee Ronco, a 20-year-old military veteran from Indiana, as the hitchhiker.
## Genetic genealogy solved mystery
In February 2026, the DNA Doe Project identified Ronco using genealogical research in four days.
## Key takeaway

Terrance Lee Ronco, a 20-year-old military veteran from Indiana, was identified as the 1974 hitchhiker killed in a California crash after 52 years.